Game Thread #154: A’s vs. Astros

The Oakland A’s are out of contention for the 2021 postseason. It’s not quite mathematically official, but it may as well be. Still, there are nine games left before a long and uncertain winter, so let’s do our best to enjoy them.

On Friday the Houston Astros come to town for three games. They lead the Mariners by seven in the AL West division with nine to go, so the top goal for Oakland this weekend is to avoid letting the Asterisks celebrate a division title at the Coliseum.

The A’s open the series with Frankie Montas on the bump. He was brilliant in his last start, tossing seven shutout innings against the Angels with just one hit allowed, and he has a sparkling 2.46 ERA in his past 15 appearances dating back to June.

Houston was going to start with Zack Greinke, but the former Cy Young winner went on the 10-day injured list today due to neck soreness. Right-hander Brandon Bielak takes his place, making his second start of the year after spending most of the summer as a decent reliever.

A’s lineup (home)

1. 2B Josh Harrison (R)
2. CF Starling Marte (R)
3. 1B Matt Olson (L)
4. DH Mark Canha (R)
5. RF Seth Brown (L)
6. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
7. LF Tony Kemp (L)
8. C Yan Gomes (R)
9. SS Elvis Andrus (R)

• RHP Frankie Montas

Brown makes his first start since last Sunday.

Astros lineup (away)

1. 2B Jose Altuve (R)
2. 3B Alex Bregman (R)
3. 1B Yuli Gurriel (R)
4. DH Yordan Alvarez (L)
5. SS Carlos Correa (R)
6. RF Kyle Tucker (L)
7. LF Chas McCormick (R)
8. CF Jake Meyers (R)
9. C Martin Maldonado (R)

• RHP Brandon Bielak

Let’s go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Friday, September 24
• Time: 6:40 p.m. PT
• TV (local): NBC Sports California
• Radio: 960 AM (more listings here)
• Streaming (watch): NBCS website (with cable sub)
• Streaming (listen): A’s Cast